The government of Uttar Pradesh is taking significant steps to modernize, enhance the safety, and improve the state's transportation system. These changes are reflected in both the updated fleet and the creation of modern bus terminals and enhanced road safety.
The Uttar Pradesh bus fleet is notably young, with an average age of only 5 years and 3 months, making the state a leader in this metric nationwide. Furthermore, the state has ranked first in the country for implementing vehicle scrapping policies.
During the launch of the 'Lokmata Ahilaybai Matrishkti Yatra' program and the ceremonial departure of special buses, Minister of Transport (with independent responsibility) Dayashankar Singh stated that the transport department possesses the youngest fleet in the country. He specified that after the approval of 3 thousand crore rupees by the Yogi government, electric buses were integrated into the fleet.
At a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, the allocation of 400 crore rupees was approved for the purchase of 250 new electric buses.
The Minister of Transport highlighted the achievements of the transport department under the Yogi administration, including achieving the number one position nationally for vehicle scrapping policy in Uttar Pradesh. The state also ranks second in the country for establishing Automated Testing Centers (ATS) and third for issuing driver's licenses.
Thanks to permission granted by the Yogi government, the implementation of ARTO (road safety) became possible for the first time in the country, which will allow for monitoring traffic accidents. Additionally, the approval of 352 Vehicle Inspector (MVI) positions will expand the department's scope of work to the district level, previously limited to the block level.
The Minister reported that the transport department is actively developing in all areas under the Yogi administration. 23 bus stops are being transformed into airport-level terminals. A modern bus depot is being constructed in Gomti Nagar, with an investment exceeding 1 thousand crore rupees. A modern bus terminal is being built in Amausi at a cost of 600 crore rupees, and another terminal costing 250 crore rupees is located near the Charbag railway station.
He also added that on Tuesday, more than six new bus stations were approved with a total investment volume exceeding 4 thousand crore rupees, and tenders for 49 bus stations are currently in progress. All these projects will accelerate the state's development.
The Minister of Transport emphasized that over 14 thousand buses managed by the department will provide free travel for elderly women, for which he thanked the Chief Minister of Yogi. Free bus service will also be provided for the Raksha Bandhan festival to facilitate the movement of mothers and sisters.
Dayashankar Singh mentioned that all buses are equipped with JPS buttons and panic buttons, and they also have online tracking functionality. These buses are connected to the number 1090. In case of passenger distress during a trip, the management team promptly arrives at the scene with the police.